Editor,
November 8 was Indigenous Veterans Day, an important day of remembrance that I believe deserves much greater recognition among all Canadians.
It is an opportunity to recognize and honour the First Nations, Inuit and Métis men and women who have served Canada in the Armed Forces, from the First and Second World Wars to the Korean War, Afghanistan and the many peacekeeping missions in which Canada has participated.
I would particularly like to take this opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contribution made by the people of the Chippewas of Nawash, from the community formerly known as Cape Croker, during the First World War.
Consider these numbers.
In 1916, the population of Cape Croker was just 368 people. Of the 67 men considered to be of military age, 63 volunteered for military service. Fifty-seven were accepted, 53 went overseas, and 22 returned wounded. Six men never came home.
Think about that for a moment. In a small community of fewer than 400 people, an extraordinary proportion of eligible men volunteered to serve their country. These are remarkable numbers and a testament to the commitment and courage of the people of Nawash.
Cape Croker even had its own First World War military training camp on the reserve. The community’s contribution was not limited to the First World War. During the Second World War, 102 members of the community enlisted, including six women who served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. Seven members were killed and another 20 wounded.
Names such as Lavalley, Keeshig, Johnston and Nadjiwon are among those associated with this remarkable history. These are not simply names in a military record. They represent families, parents, brothers, sons and communities that made tremendous sacrifices.
What makes this history even more significant is the discrimination Indigenous people experienced in Canada at the time. They volunteered to fight for the freedoms of others while facing restrictions and inequalities in their own country. First Nations people did not receive the unconditional right to vote in federal elections without surrendering their Indian status until 1960.
Their willingness to serve, despite the discrimination they faced at home, is something every Canadian should reflect upon.
Today, that proud tradition of service continues. Indigenous Canadians continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, and the military offers several Indigenous training and leadership programs, including Bold Eagle, Raven, Black Bear, Grey Wolf and Carcajou. These programs provide opportunities for Indigenous young people to experience military life, develop leadership skills and explore a future in military service.
I would also like to give a special acknowledgement to a former student of mine, Gean Keeshig, who now serves with the Canadian Armed Forces at the Meaford Training Base.
It is because of Gean and others like him that my own understanding of Indigenous military history has grown considerably. During my years teaching at St. Mary’s High School, I became increasingly aware of the important contributions Indigenous people have made to Canada’s military history. Their stories deserve to be told, remembered and included in the history we teach our young people.
I would also like to acknowledge Patrick Lavalle for his excellent article in the Winter Count magazine in 2017. His work helped enlighten an old history teacher and reinforced for me how important it is that Indigenous history and culture have a meaningful place in our high school history programs.
On this Indigenous Veterans Day, I ask everyone to take a few moments to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans. Their stories are an important part of Canada’s history, yet too often they have been overlooked.
We owe these men and women, and the communities and families who supported them, a tremendous debt of gratitude.
They served Canada. They sacrificed for Canada. They helped defend the freedoms we enjoy today.
Let us remember them, honour their service and ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
Greg Ayrheart, Meaford
